Shelf ready package having structural integrity and processes for making them

ABSTRACT

A shelf ready package and method of manufacturing a shelf ready package, including an outer case and a strengthening element. The shelf ready package including at least a first blank and a second blank where the first blank is formed into the outer case and the second blank is formed into the strengthening element.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Stackable outer case package for transporting and displaying articlescontained therein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Outer cases, such as cartons, made from cardboard, paperboard, orsimilar materials are well known and used for transporting and storingvarious types of articles, including retail articles and the like. Shelfready packages are a means for packaging a plurality of articles inouter cases in a manner that they can be displayed, for instance on asupermarket shelf or aisle, directly from the outer case without firsthaving to remove the articles from the outer case. The individualarticles, contained within the shelf ready package, can be individualpackets, cans, bottles, bags, boxes, and the like. Typically, the shelfready package comprises an at least partially removable element, formedby a line of weakness in the outer case, which can be easily detached.Once the at least partially removable element has been detached, thearticles contained within are displayed to the customer, and thecustomer is able to pick up the displayed article.

Store owners are constantly looking for additional ways to reduce costsfor stacking articles, while ensuring that the article remainspresentable to the potential customer. Shelf ready packages avoids thetime consuming effort associated with removing articles from the outercase and placing on shelves.

Shelf ready packages typically suffer from conflicting targets: on theone hand, outer cases need to provide a strong resistance to protect thepack content during shipment and handling, whilst on the other hand; theshelf ready package case should be easy open in store. For today'sstandard shelf ready packages, either the case is quick and easy toopen, or the case has very good resistance to pressure and impact. Assuch, a choice has to be made for the one or the other depending on theneed of the user. The challenge of easy opening and robustness is morepronounced in the rough handling context, such as during manualstacking, or where automatic warehousing systems are used. Current shelfready packages tend to be not compatible within such rough handlingconditions, with increased risk of damage to both the shelf readypackage and the product contained therein.

Hence, a need remains for a shelf ready package with improved structuralintegrity to provide a better resistance to damage during shipment whilealso being easy to open in store.

WO 201096741 discloses a carton comprising carton walls and acompression resistant structure disposed adjacent to an inside face ofat least one of the carton walls. US 2007/0063005 discloses a cartonformed from a multi-ply carton blank. The carton blank comprises aprimary blank and one or more reinforcing blanks overlaying the primaryblank. WO 2012/119198 discloses a carton having a lid, the cartonincludes a carton base and a detachable lid connected to the base alonga line of weakness.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a shelf ready package comprising atleast a first blank and a second blank, the first blank is formed intoan outer case and the second blank is formed into a strengtheningelement, wherein the outer case comprises a non-removable element and anat least partially removable element, formed by a first line ofweakness, such that the at least partially removable element can be atleast partially or fully removed along the first line of weakness,wherein the strengthening element is inside the outer case, wherein thestrengthening element is positioned against at least one wall of theouter case so as to cover at least a part of the first line of weakness,wherein the strengthening element comprises a second line of weaknessand wherein the second line of weakness follows along at least a part ofthe first line of weakness covered by the strengthening element.

The present invention further relates to a process of making the shelfready package according to the present invention.

The present invention further relates to the use of a perforatedstrengthening element to improve the box compression strength (BCT) of aperforated outer case.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shelf ready package with astrengthening element inside the outer case.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the outer case of FIG. 1, comprising anon-removable element and an at least partially removable element,formed by a first line of weakness.

FIG. 2a shows an enlarged view of the outer case of FIG. 2, comprising afirst line of weakness formed by perforation components and landedcomponents.

FIG. 3 is a view of a first blank, which can be used to make an outercase of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the outer case of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a view of a second blank, which can be used to make astrengthening element of the present invention, comprising a removablepart and a non-removable part formed by a line of weakness.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the strengthening element, comprising aremovable part and a non-removable part formed by a line of weakness.

FIG. 6a shows an enlarged view of the strengthening element comprisingthe spanning element of FIG. 6.

FIG. 7 is a view of the assembly of the first blank and the second blankby positioning and optionally attaching the second blank inside thefirst blank.

FIG. 8 is a view of the assembly of the first blank and the second blankwhere the second line of weakness follows along the first of the outercase but with a small gap between the two lines of weakness (followspartly along).

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a shelf ready package with astrengthening element inside the outer case.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The Shelf Ready Package (1):

A shelf ready package (1) with sufficient structural integrity toprovide a strong resistance to protect the pack content during shipmentand handling while remaining easy to open in store, can be achieved byproviding a shelf ready package (1) comprising at least a first blank(60) and a second blank (61), the first blank (60) is formed into anouter case (1 a) and the second blank (61) is formed into astrengthening element (1 b). The outer case (1 a) comprises anon-removable element (31) and an at least partially removable element(30), formed by a first line of weakness (40), such that the at leastpartially removable element (30) can be at least partially or fullyremoved along the first line of weakness (40). The strengthening element(1 b) is inside the outer case (1 a) and is positioned against at leastone wall of the outer case (1 a) so as to cover at least a part of thefirst line of weakness (40), thus improving the integrity of the outercase (1 a) and protecting the outer case (1 a) from bursting open at theline of weakness during handling and transport. The strengtheningelement (1 b) comprises a second line of weakness (44) and the secondline of weakness (44) follows along at least a part of the first line ofweakness (40) covered by the strengthening element (1 b), thus enablingthe shelf ready package (1 a) to be easy to tear open since at least apart of the strengthening element (1 b) will be detachable and thereforewon't block the access to the articles contained within the outer case(1 a) and since the second line of weakness (44) follows along at leasta part of the first line of weakness (40) both lines will still beeasily broken by the user in one single motion.

Furthermore, the strengthening element (1 b) can be formed into astrengthening pillar within the outer case (1 a) thus providing asignificant increase of the case box compression strength (as measuredusing the BCT method according to ISO 12048). The strengthening element(1 b) can also ensure adequate structural integrity, even when a weakerouter case material is used. As such, the outer case material can beselected from but is not limited to micro-flute, solid board, E-flute(typically about 1.5 millimeters in thickness) or B-flute (typicallyabout 3 millimeters in thickness). Other suitable materials for use asthe outer case material can be selected from but not limited to C-flute(typically about 4 millimeters in thickness) or EB-flute (typicallyabout 4.5 millimeters in thickness).

The shelf ready package (1) of the present invention comprises at leasta first blank (60) and a second blank (61), the first blank (60) isformed into an outer case (1 a) and the second blank (61) is formed intoa strengthening element (1 b), wherein the outer case (1 a) comprises anon-removable element (31) and an at least partially removable element(30), formed by a first line of weakness (40), such that the at leastpartially removable element (30) can be at least partially or fullyremoved along the first line of weakness (40), wherein the strengtheningelement (1 b) is inside the outer case (1 a), wherein the strengtheningelement (1 b) comprises a second line of weakness (44), wherein thestrengthening element (1 b) is positioned against at least one wall ofthe outer case (1 a) so as to cover at least a part of the first line ofweakness (40) and wherein the second line of weakness (44) follows alongat least a part of the first line of weakness (40) covered by thestrengthening element (1 b).

A shelf ready package (1) according to the present invention is shown inFIG. 1 and FIG. 9. The dimensions of such shelf ready packages aretypically between 50 and 400 millimeters in width and length and below400 millimeters in height, but these dimensions can fluctuate dependingon what article is meant to be contained within the shelf ready package(1).

Any suitable article can be contained within the shelf ready package(1), including: fabric care products such as liquid laundry bottles,powdered laundry bags, fabric softeners, and the like; householdcleaners, including dish washing agents, floor cleaners, and the like;personal care products such as moisturisers, cosmetics, shampoos,shaving products, and the like; diaper bags; perfumes; pet food; andcombinations thereof.

Such shelf ready packages can be delivered to retail outlets, and thelike, on a pallet comprising at least one layer of the shelf readypackage (1). More preferably, such pallets comprise at least one, morepreferably at least two layers of shelf ready packages (1). The improvedstrength of the shelf ready package (1) of the invention allows for ahigher stacking height. The maximum number of layers of shelf readypackages (1) is typically between four and eight, more typically six,for instance, due to the size of delivery trucks.

The Lines of Weakness (40)(44):

The outer case (1 a) comprises a non-removable element (31) and an atleast partially removable element (30), formed by a first line ofweakness (40). The at least partially removable element (30) can beremoved or partially removed by separating the at least partiallyremovable element (30) from the outer case (1 a), along the first lineof weakness (40).

The first line of weakness (40) is preferably essentially continuous,such as forming a loop, so that the at least partially removable element(30) can be fully removed (see FIG. 4), preferably by hand without theuse of a tool. The term “essentially continuous” means that the at leastpartially removable element (30) can be easily and fully removed byhand. However, the first line of weakness (40) can also bediscontinuous, such that the at least partially removable element (30)remains partly attached. For instance, when the interior surface of theremovable element comprises graphics, advertising, usage instructions,and combinations thereof. FIG. 2a is an enlarged view of area of FIG. 2,illustrating the continuous first line of weakness (40) comprisingperforation components (41) and land components (42). The dimensions ofthe perforation components (41) and land components (42) are defined toensure protection of the articles prior to removing the at leastpartially removable element (30), while allowing easy and clean openingof the shelf ready package (1). The perforation components (41) of thecontinuous first line of weakness (40) are preferably 1.5 to 15millimeters in length, more preferably 3 to 6 millimeters in length. Theperforation component (41) preferably is comprised of a hole or slitwhich preferably penetrates the full thickness of the material formingthe first blank (60). The perforation components (41) and landcomponents (42) can be oriented along the first line of weakness (40).Alternatively, and in order to increase the force required to removepart or all of the removable element (30), part or all of theperforation components (41) can be oriented at an angle from thedirection of the first line of weakness (40). Alternatively, or inaddition, if a stronger first line of weakness (40) is desired, theperforation can penetrate part way through the thickness of the materialforming the carton blank. Alternatively, a stronger first line ofweakness (40) can be provided by reducing the length of the perforationcomponents (41), and correspondingly increasing the length of the landcomponents (42). The land components (42) of the first line of weakness(40) are preferably from 1.5 to 4 millimeters in length, more preferablyfrom 2.5 millimeters to 3.5 millimeters in length.

In addition, the first line of weakness (40) preferably has a minimumradius at points of directional change of at least 10 millimeters.Points of directional change, as used herein, do not include the cornersof the container. The minimum radius aids in the ease and clean removalof the at least partially removable element (30) from the shelf readypackage (1). The radius at points of directional change is preferably 20to 50 millimeters. The at least partially removable element (30) of theouter case (1 a) can be present on the front wall (2), side walls (3)and (4), top wall (6), and combinations thereof. The at least partiallyremovable element (30) preferably comprises a front face (32), morepreferably the at least partially removable element (30) comprises afront face (32) and top face (36). Even more preferably, the at leastpartially removable element (30) comprises a front face (32), top face(36), and at least one side face (33). The at least partially removableelement (30) can consists of a front face (32), top face (36), and oneside face (33), it provides a large opening to view and remove articlescontained within the shelf ready package (1), once the at leastpartially removable element (30) has been removed, while also providinga corner, side wall (3) or (4), and back wall (5) to support other shelfready packages that may have been placed on top of the shelf readypackage (1).

The strengthening element (1 b) comprises a second line of weakness(44). The first line of weakness (40) and the second line of weakness(44) can be the same or can be different.

The second line of weakness (44) follows along at least a part of thefirst line of weakness (40) covered by the strengthening element (1 b).Thus, as the strengthening element (1 b) is positioned against at leastone wall of the outer case (1 a) so as to cover a part of the first lineof weakness (40), the second line of weakness (44) at least partlyfollows along the first line of weakness along this covered part.

By “follows along” it is meant that the second line of weakness (44)follows along the first line of weakness (40) such that it deviates fromthe first by no more than about 10 millimetres such that both lines canbe easily broken by the user in one single motion. Therefore the twolines can follow each other exactly along (superimposed) or partly along(see FIGS. 7 and 8).

The first line of weakness (40) and the second line of weakness (44) canbe made using any known means, such as scoring; perforating; andcombinations thereof. The lines of weakness can be a single line, or aseries of lines, such as those that make up a tear strip configuration.Preferably, the lines of weakness for the outer case (40) or thestrengthening element (44) are a perforated line as illustrated in theFigures.

Scoring can be achieved by applying suitable pressure onto a knife orsharp element which is placed on the carton blank or formed carton. Aperforated line of weakness can be formed using any suitable means, suchas punch pins (typically in the form of dots or slits), a cutting disc,or a laser.

Outer Case (1 a):

The shelf ready package (1) comprises a first blank (60) formed into anouter case (1 a).

The outer case (1 a) may comprise:

-   -   a) a front wall (2),    -   b) a back wall (5) opposing said front wall (2),    -   c) two opposing side walls (3) and (4),    -   d) upper portions (62), (63), (64) and (65) which collectively        form a top wall (6),    -   e) lower portions (71), (72), (73) and (74) which collectively        form a bottom wall (7)

The lower portions (71), (72), (73) and (74) are preferably formed intothe bottom wall (7) using adhesive tape, gluing, and combinationsthereof, though gluing is preferred.

The first blank (60) may comprise an attachment seam (81), in order toconnect together the left-most part and right-most part of the firstblank (60), for instance, by glueing.

The outer case (1 a) can be made from any suitable material, such aspaperboard, plastic, and combinations thereof. It can be corrugated ornon-corrugated. It can vary in size, finish, strength, material,stiffness and print, delivering the required strength and decoration.

Strengthening Element (1 b):

The shelf ready package (1) further comprises a second blank (61) formedinto a strengthening element (1 b). The strengthening element (1 b)comprises a second line of weakness (44). The strengthening element (1b) is inside the outer case (1 a). The strengthening element (1 b) ispositioned against at least one wall of the outer case (1 a) so as tocover at least a part of the first line of weakness (40). Thestrengthening element (1 b) improves the resistance of the part of thefirst line of weakness (40) covered from the inside thus protecting theouter case (1 a) from bursting open at the line of weakness duringhandling and transport while enabling the perforated case to openeasily.

The strengthening element (1 b) comprises at least two faces (50)(51).Preferably, the strengthening element (1 b) has two faces (50)(51). Morepreferably at least two faces (50)(51) of the strengthening element (1b) can be connected together by a spanning element (23). By face(50)(51) it is meant a part of the strengthening element (1 b) facingone of the walls of the outer case (1 a). Two faces (50)(51) can beconnected together by for example at least one scoring line, a hinge,any kind of folding or preferably a spanning element (23).

The strengthening element (1 b) can be made from any suitable material,such as paperboard, plastic, and combinations thereof. It can becorrugated or non-corrugated. It can vary in size, finish, strength,material, stiffness and print, delivering the required strength anddecoration.

The strengthening element (1 b) can be a layer of corrugate. A layer ofcorrugate is especially suitable to improve the vertical strength of thecase.

The strengthening element (1 b) is a separate item to the outer case (1a) that is positioned and optionally attached to the inside of the outercase (1 a).

By “attached” is meant bound by any common means of attachment such asadhesives.

The strengthening element (1 b) can comprise a removable part (21) and anon-removable part (22) in the outer case (1 a).

The removable part (21) of the strengthening element (1 b) if attachedshould only be attached to the at least partially removable element (30)of the outer case (1 a). The non-removable part (22) of thestrengthening element (1 b), if attached, should only be attached to thenon-removable element (31) of the outer case (1 a).

The strengthening element (1 b) can be attached to both thenon-removable element (31) and the at least partially removable element(30) of the outer case (1 a). As set out above, the removable part (21)of the strengthening element (1 b) can be attached to the at leastpartially removable element (30) of the outer case (1 a) and thenon-removable part (22) of the strengthening element (1 b) can beattached to the non-removable element (31) of the outer case (1 a).Attaching provides a strengthening effect on the outer case (1 a)integrity even after the perforated case has been opened since anon-removable part (22) of the strengthening element (1 b) will remainin the outer case (1 a).

The vertical ends of the strengthening element (1 b) may be essentiallystraight and positioned essentially parallel to the outer case (1 a)vertical edges, and may be shaped for impact resistance optimization orbest protective board material usage or a combination of both. Theorientation of the protective boards' corrugate flute (in case corrugateis used as protective board material) can be orientated vertically orhorizontally, depending on in which direction maximum support for theouter case (1 a) is desired. The strengthening element (1 b) may bestructured and arranged such that the strengthening element (1 b) doesnot prevent the blanks from folding and being manipulated to form theshelf ready package (1).

For a further benefit of easy folding, the strengthening element (1 b)can be attached to only one wall of the outer case (1 a). In case offolding, the strengthening element (1 b) will thus be able to slidewithin the outer case (1 a) allowing therefore the shelf ready package(1) to be easily folded flat.

The strengthening element (1 b) can further increase the overall outercase (1 a) resistance against breaking and collapsing at pressure orimpact by being formed into an extra strengthening pillar within theouter case (1 a).

At least one section of the strengthening element (1 b) may have asimilar height as one of the wall of the outer case (1 a) and fitswithin the perimeter of said wall of the outer case (1 a) in order todeliver a vertical or horizontal strength on the case, depending on inwhich direction maximum support for the outer case (1 a) is desired,preferably vertical strength. By “similar height” is meant a differenceof height of less than about 5% between the above mentioned section ofthe strengthening element (1 b) and said wall of the outer case (1 a).

In order to deliver a vertical strength on the case, the strengtheningelement (1 b) can be positioned against at least one of the wall of theouter case (1 a), selected from the side walls (3) and (4), the frontwall (2), the back wall (5) and combination thereof, preferably thestrengthening element (1 b) is positioned against the front wall and oneside wall (3)(4).

The strengthening element (1 b) can be positioned in a corner of theouter case (1 a). The strengthening element can have a L-shape , suchstrengthening element comprises at least two faces (50)(51) connectedtogether under an angle of 90 degrees.

The strengthening element (1 b) can comprise a spanning element (23)(see FIGS. 6 and 6 a). The spanning element (23) can be built by aseries of scoring lines (26)(27), at least two scoring lines under anangle of 30 to 60 degrees, preferably about 45 degrees. The spanningelement connects two faces (50)(51) of the strengthening element (1 b)together and spans across a corner of the outer case (1 a), therefore,unlike the L-shape structure, the strengthening element (1 b) comprisinga spanning element (23) allows an easy folding of the shelf readypackage (1) by avoiding the strengthening element (1 b) blocking thecorner of the outer case (1 a). Preferably, the strengthening element (1b) is positioned in a corner and comprises two faces (50)(51) connectedtogether by a spanning element (23)

When the shelf ready package (1) comprises a strengthening element (1 b)comprising a spanning element (23) attached to only one wall of theouter case (1 b). It provides the further benefit of being easier tofold flat the shelf ready package (1) because the strengthening element(1 b) will slide easily within the outer case (1 a) and thestrengthening element (1 b) will not block the corner of the outer case(1 a).

For a combination of the further benefits as set up above, the shelfready package (1) can comprise a strengthening element (1 b), wherein atleast a section of the strengthening element (1 b) has a similar heightas one of the wall of the outer case (1 a), wherein the strengtheningelement (1 b) is positioned against the front wall (2) and one side wall(3)(4), in a corner of the outer case (1 a), comprises two faces(50)(51) connected together by a spanning element (23) and is a layer ofcorrugate. For a further benefit, said strengthening element (1 b) canbe attached to only one wall of the outer case (1 b).

Grasping Members

Grasping members (38) can be optionally employed to aid in the removalof the at least partially removable element (30). Preferably, thepresent invention employs at least one grasping member (38) on at leasttwo faces of the at least partially removable element (30). Morepreferably, the at least partially removable element (30) comprises afront face (32) and a top face (36), with both the front face (32) andthe top face (36) comprising at least one grasping member (38), allowingseparation of the at least partially removable element (30) to starteither from the front face (32) or the top face (36). When used, suchgrasping members are positioned adjacent to the line of weakness (40).Thus, a person can engage the grasping members (38) and begin separationof the top face (36) of the at least partially removable element (30)from the shelf ready package (1). Preferably, the grasping member (38)remains attached to the at least partially removable element (30), whenthe at least partially removable element (30) is separated from theshelf ready package (1).

The grasping member (38) can be defined by third lines of weakness (39).Each third line of weakness (39) may exhibit a uniform resistance toseparation along its entire length, or alternatively vary in resistanceto separation along its length. Preferably, each third line of weakness(39) varies in resistance to separation along its length, allowing eachgrasping member (38) to be only partially disassociated from the walls(that is, separated along a first region and rotatably displaced alongone or more remaining regions of third line of weakness (39). Thisavoids separate disposal issues. The third lines of weakness (39) can beperforated lines, with optionally each line having a varying resistanceto separation along its length by virtue of having land components andperforation components of varying dimensions. Preferably, these thirdlines of weakness (39) are weaker than the first line of weakness (40).

The grasping member (38) should be of sufficient size and geometry toreadily receive at least one human finger, and preferably two fingers.Alternatively, various tools, such as a hook, could be inserted into thegrasping member (38) for removing the at least partially removableelement (30) from the shelf ready package (1).

Process of Making:

The shelf ready package (1) can be formed using any suitable means, suchas by hand and preferably on an automated packing line. Such processescan include the steps of:

-   -   (a) creating the first blank (60) of the outer case (1 a) and        the second blank (61) of the strengthening element;    -   (b) perforating the first blank (60) and the second blank (61)        to create the first line of weakness (40) and the second line of        weakness (44) respectively;    -   (c) assembling the first blank (60) and the second blank (61)        together by positioning and optionally attaching the second        blank (61) inside the first blank (60) in order to form a        resulting blank (see FIGS. 7 and 8);

And optionally:

-   -   (d) folding the resulting blank and attaching together the        left-most part and right-most part of said resulting blank;    -   (e) bonding the front lower portion (72) and back lower portion        (74) together, preferably using glue, tape, or combinations        thereof, to form the bottom wall (7) (see FIG. 7);    -   (f) placing articles inside the outer case (1 a);    -   (g) bonding the front upper portion (63) and back upper portion        (65) together, preferably using glue, tape, and combinations        thereof, to form a upper wall (6).

The shelf ready package (1) is preferably assembled on an automatedpacking line.

The carton blanks (60)(61) can be made from any suitable material, suchas paperboard, plastic, and combinations thereof. The carton blanks(60)(61) can be corrugated or non-corrugated, preferably corrugated fora lightweight benefit.

The carton blanks (60)(61) are typically made from paperboard, usuallyin roll-form. The paperboard is typically unwound for printing and theprinted paperboard rerolled for later use, or immediately corrugated.Alternatively, printing can take place after corrugation.

Corrugation is typically achieved by running paperboard throughcorrugation wheels, to form a corrugated layer (often referred to asmedium or fluting). A further two roll of paperboard is fed into thecorrugators, either sequentially or simultaneously, and glued onto thecorrugated layer to form the inner and outer layers of the single wallcorrugated board. One or both of the inner and outer layers can beprinted.

Alternatively, the corrugated board can have other structures, such assingle face (one layer of liner and one layer of medium), double wall (3layers of liners having 2 layers of mediums in between).

The corrugated board is typically cut into rectangular sheets (alsocalled blanks), or can be directly cut into the required shape to formthe carton blanks (60)(61). At the same time, or afterwards, the linesof weakness (40)(44) can be formed into the carton blanks (60)(61).

EXAMPLE

Benefit of the Strengthening Element on Box Compression Strength (BCT)

Perforations are often used in corrugated outer cases to turn the casesinto shelf ready packages (SRP). By including perforations, the outercase becomes weaker and its box compression strength (BCT) is reduced.The below comparative tests demonstrate that the loss in box compressionstrength can be compensated for by the insertion of a strengtheningelement to form a shelf ready package (1) according to the presentinvention.

The determination of the box compression strength (BCT) are madeaccording to ISO 12048.

Three types of outer cases are tested for BCT: Outer case withoutperforation, outer case with perforation and outer case with perforationand comprising a strengthening element.

Two outer case of each type are tested. Every outer case is testedempty, using the following settings.

-   -   Outer case dimension: L×W×H: 300×240×289 mm    -   Strengthening element folded dimension: L×W×H: 270×232×272 mm    -   Lab conditions: 23C/50% RH    -   Tested on a Lloyd LR5K+ instrument    -   Speed of compression: 12.5 mm/min

The same board composition is used for the outer cases and strengtheningelement (C-flute: 535 gsm). The test is repeated twice and the resultsaveraged to provide the average box compression strength (Average BCT).

TABLE 1 Board Board grade BCT Average Case type grade insert (N) BCTIndex Outer case C / 2550.2 2636 100 without 2721.3 perforation Outercase C / 2320.7 2261 86 with 2202.1 perforation Outer case C C 3275.73281 124 with 3286.3 perforation and comprising a strengthening element

As can be seen from the results in table 1, the perforations weaken thebox compression strength (BCT) of the outer case but adding astrengthening element, to form a shelf ready package (1) according tothe invention can not only compensate the loss in BCT caused by theperforations but also further significantly improve the BCT of the outercase.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm”.

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or relatedpatent or application and any patent application or patent to which thisapplication claims priority or benefit thereof, is hereby incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded orotherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission thatit is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimedherein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other referenceor references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention.Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in thisdocument conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in adocument incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assignedto that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A shelf ready package comprising at least a firstblank and a second blank, the first blank is formed into an outer caseand the second blank is formed into a strengthening element, wherein theouter case comprises a non-removable element and an at least partiallyremovable element, formed by a first line of weakness, such that the atleast partially removable element can be at least partially or fullyremoved along the first line of weakness, wherein the strengtheningelement is inside the outer case, wherein the strengthening element ispositioned against at least one wall of the outer case so as to cover atleast a part of the first line of weakness, wherein the strengtheningelement comprises a second line of weakness and wherein the second lineof weakness follows along at least a part of the first line of weaknesscovered by the strengthening element.
 2. A shelf ready package accordingto claim 1, wherein the first blank is formed into an outer casecomprising: a) a front wall; b) a back wall opposing said front wall; c)two opposing side walls; d) upper portions which collectively form a topwall; and e) lower portions which collectively form a bottom wall.
 3. Ashelf ready package according to claim 1, wherein the strengtheningelement comprises at least two faces.
 4. A shelf ready package accordingto claim 1, wherein the strengthening element is attached to at leastone wall of the outer case.
 5. A shelf ready package according to claim1, wherein the strengthening element is attached to only one wall of theouter case.
 6. A shelf ready package according to claim 1, wherein atleast a section of the strengthening element has a similar height as oneof the wall of the outer case.
 7. A shelf ready package according toclaim 1, wherein the strengthening element is positioned against atleast one of the walls of the outer case, selected from the side walls,the front wall, the back wall and combination thereof.
 8. A shelf readypackage according to claim 1, wherein the strengthening element isattached to the non-removable element of the outer case, the at leastpartially removable element of the outer case, or both the non-removableelement and the removable element.
 9. A shelf ready package according toclaim 1, wherein the strengthening element is positioned in a corner ofthe outer case.
 10. A shelf ready package according to claim 8, whereinthe strengthening element is positioned in a corner of the outer caseand comprises two faces connected together by a spanning element.
 11. Ashelf ready package according to claim 1, wherein the strengtheningelement is structured and arranged such that the strengthening elementdoes not prevent the first blank and the second blank from folding andbeing manipulated to form the shelf ready package.
 12. A shelf readypackage according to claim 1, wherein at least a section of thestrengthening element has a similar height as one of the wall of theouter case, wherein the strengthening element is positioned against thefront wall and one side wall, in a corner of the outer case, comprisestwo faces connected together by a spanning element and is a layer ofcorrugate.
 13. A process for making the shelf ready package according toclaim 1, comprising the steps of: (a) creating the first blank of theouter case and the second blank of the strengthening element; (b)perforating the first blank and the second blank to create the firstline of weakness and the second line of weakness respectively; and (c)assembling the first blank and the second blank together by positioningand optionally attaching the second blank inside the first blank inorder to form a resulting blank.
 14. A process for making a shelf readypackage according to claim 13, further comprising the steps of: (a)folding the resulting blank and attaching together the left-most partand right-most part of said resulting blank; (b) bonding the front lowerportion and back lower portion together, preferably using glue, tape, orcombinations thereof, to form the bottom wall; (c) placing articlesinside the outer case; and (d) bonding the front upper portion and backupper portion together, preferably using glue, tape, and combinationsthereof, to form a upper wall.